What Is Rambutan?

Learn about a fruit that has a name inspired by the soft hairs covering its rind

The rambutan, a close relative of the lychee, is a small red fruit with hairy spines covering the rind. The fruit, which is two to three inches long and usually oval-shaped, can be opened either by cutting into it or biting it, as the spines aren’t harmful. Its hair-like spines inspired its name, as “rambut” means “hair” in Malay.

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The rambutan is common in Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Borneo, and other countries in the region. Its white, fleshy interior, which resembles a grape in size and texture, has a mostly sweet flavor, but the solitary brown seed inside isn’t edible. The fruit usually grows in clusters of 10 to 20; it’s usually eaten raw but can also be stewed as a dessert. The rambutan tree, which usually grows between 50 and 80 feet tall, bears fruit twice annually that is a source of calcium, phosphorus, and protein.